Microsoft Teams can soon be set as default on Cisco conferencing hardware

The two firms have announced that Cisco's video conferencing hardware would be modified to allow users to designate Microsoft Teams as the default video conferencing software. In the first half of 2019, six devices, including the Cisco Room Bar (a speaker and webcam combined), the 55- and 75-inch versions of the Cisco Board Pro (a freestanding screen built for video conferencing), and the Cisco Room Kit Pro, will be certified to function with Teams.

In a press release, Cisco emphasises that its own Webex video calling software, which it purchased for billions a little over ten years ago, is here to stay. “The devices will continue to support joining Webex meetings with all the features and functionality customers enjoy today,” the release notes. But building in native support for Teams and allowing it to be set as the default recognizes how many businesses are entrenched in Microsoft’s ecosystem and rely primarily on its software for video conferencing.

“Customers want collaboration to happen on their terms — regardless of device or meeting platform,” Cisco’s Jeetu Patel said in a statement. Alongside its meeting devices, Cisco peripherals like the Cisco Desk Camera 4K webcam and two upcoming headsets will also be available with support for Microsoft Teams.